New York: On most days, he’s shaping young minds as the MD of Birla Open Minds. But on weekends, you’ll find him on the mat with his family—breathing, stretching, being. Mr. Nirvaan Birla, the son of industrialist Yashovardhan Birla, is carving a mindful path in modern India. Not just through business, but through breathwork, bhajans, and a belief in holistic success.
With International Yoga Day and World Music Day both falling on June 21, Nirvaan’s story feels especially resonant. He practices Ashtanga Yoga weekly with his family, hosts soulful satsangs, and recently released his debut track, “Alvida.” But more than anything, he’s advocating for conscious living—whether in the boardroom, the classroom, or the sacred quiet of a spiritual riyaz.
In this exclusive ZizzPost conversation, Nirvaan opens up about the lessons yoga taught him that no MBA could, the healing power of music, and how he’s blending tradition with Gen Z’s search for clarity.
ZizzPost: Yoga is a family ritual for you. What’s one thing yoga has taught you that no boardroom ever could?
Nirvaan Birla: Yoga has taught me the value of presence. In the yoga room, nothing matters more than your breath and being in the moment. It’s not about results or metrics, just self-awareness. That lesson of staying grounded and mindful is something no boardroom experience ever gave me.
ZizzPost: You follow Ashtanga Yoga. What drew you to this discipline and how does it shape your daily decision-making as a business leader?
Nirvaan Birla: Ashtanga’s structure attracted me. It has a fixed sequence, a rhythm, a discipline. Yet, within that structure, it teaches you to adapt to how your body and mind feel each day. That balance between commitment and flexibility has helped me immensely in leadership decisions and strategic clarity.
ZizzPost: Many Gen Z readers are exploring mindfulness apps and hacks. What’s your no-filter advice for someone seeking genuine inner clarity today?
Nirvaan Birla: Mindfulness apps like the Art of Living app can be a great starting point. They offer tools to help you breathe, pause, and reflect. But don’t depend entirely on technology. Sit with yourself, even for five minutes daily, without music or screens. Inner clarity comes when you choose stillness over stimulation and honesty over noise.
ZizzPost: You host satsangs and recently released “Alvida.” What role does music play in your emotional or spiritual healing?
Nirvaan Birla: Music is my anchor. It helps me connect deeper with myself and others. Whether I’m hosting a satsang or creating a track like ‘Alvida’ the intent is always to express what words alone cannot. Music holds space for healing, reflection, and release. It helps me feel and let go.
ZizzPost: How do you balance commercial ambition with soulful creativity, especially in an age of viral hits and content overload?
Nirvaan Birla: I focus on what feels authentic. Instead of asking what will go viral, I ask what needs to be expressed. When you stay true to yourself, creativity feels effortless. The commercial part should serve the soul of your work, not overshadow it.
ZizzPost: What kind of response have you received from younger audiences? Do they connect more with your spiritual side or your music?
Nirvaan Birla: I’ve found that younger audiences connect with both. Many discover the music first, then find interest in the deeper spiritual layer. Some attend a satsang after hearing a track. There’s a natural connection because the intention behind both is the same – realness.
ZizzPost: One Gita quote that changed your life?
Nirvaan Birla: “Yogaḥ karmasu kauśalam” – Yoga is skill in action. This reminds me that success is not about results, but about how consciously and gracefully we act. Every action, if done with awareness, becomes a form of yoga.
ZizzPost: If you could tell yourself one thing about success, what would it be?
Nirvaan Birla: Success is not just about reaching the top, it’s about building something that lasts beyond you. It’s about creating systems that are scalable, teams that are empowered, and decisions that align with both purpose and performance. If you’re only chasing numbers, you’ll burn out. But if you’re building with clarity and conviction, success becomes a sustainable journey, not a finish line.
